Innovation First- What gives?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Covey41

How do you know? As I said before, if there is nothing to hide, why not post it.

I hope you don't mind my asking, but have you asked FIRST to post it somewhere? And before you do, I hope you ask what business is it of yours.

Originally Posted by Covey41

How would you feel if you found out that if 25% to 50% of your $6K reg. fee went to paying IFI? Don't you wonder why every year we need new OI & RC?

Not even close to 50%. Consider: You pay $6K for registration (KOP and 1 regional). Second regional (and any regionals thereafter) is $4K. So, you pay $2K for the KOP. IFI provides just about that much in the control system. Then factor in the motors, software, pneumatics, and kitbot frame. That kit is probably worth about $5K if charged at full price, maybe more. Oh, and the reason we need a new RC and OI every year is that it makes it easier on everybody except IFI. We don't have to have the rookie kits set aside, provision is made for any updates to the controller, and you're covered in case you blow the controller.

And, I personally think the IFI guys are underappreciated. I worked Spare Parts at the LA regional and two to three times a day I had to go out to the field and find the IFI rep so he could talk to a teamabout a problem or to get his approval for a loaner part. I never heard him complain, and he was busy the entire event maonitoring the field. IFI also provides loaner control systems with the rule that if you don't return it, you pay for it. They put in probably more, if not more valuable, work than anyone else in FIRST, at least at the competition level, with the possible exception of the field managers and event planners.